Student Invents Solar Powered Motorcycle

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – A Purdue University student who created a solar-powered motorcycle is launching a club to help likeminded students expand environmentally friendly transportation options.

Physics major Tony Danger Coiro, a junior from South Bend, Ind., received a provisional patent for his motorcycle that uses solar energy to cut his transportation costs down to well less than a penny per mile. The lead acid batteries also can charge from plug-in AC current.

After purchasing a 1978 Suzuki for $50, Coiro spent $2,500 redesigning and retrofitting the bike, which gives him a range of up to 24 miles per charge and top speed of 45 miles per hour.